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I’d give anything to live in a house like this someday But never ic rain

I put my fist up to knock, but I pause Because suddenly, I hear a bark A loud one, with the kind of oomph that I usually associate with Rottweilers and pitbulls Not that I’ I didn’t want to befriend In fact, I think I have just the thing in e of dog biscuits—er’s Bake Shop

Then, biscuit in hand, I knock on the door It takes a minute, and I hear a lot of, “Shush, Rudy, shush,” but still, no answer So I knock again

I also add, “Holiday Enforcement Team Member 47 Can you open the door, please?”

That gets his attention, or at least it’s enough to get him to open the door

And my breath catches for a second time

I’ In fact, I see it asin Reindeer Falls Hell, the world If you’ve got a dog, I want to pet it But I barely notice the black and white cutie thatthe biscuit Fluffy Floppy ears Definitely into ainst h Still, I can’t focus And it’s all Ryan Sheppard’s fault

Ryan Sheppard, who’s currently standing in front of me

Completely shirtless

In boxer shorts

They are not, unfortunately, Christmas boxer shorts, but they are plaid I’ister the details because I’ht trail of hair leading from his belly button down into said boxer shorts His biceps He et biceps like that

Then, of course, I reh and through I reht am roll in Ryan’s bed Or his couch Or on his doorstep

None of those places

So I e to pull my eyes away from his chest, because he clears his throat and says “I know you’re elf-sized, but my eyes are up here”

I snap !” I say, way too brightly, even for me “Are you ready for this?”